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Harley - Bad News

Just talked to the vets.
In regards to his MRI shoulder and leg he has to send it off and wait for the report.
But he can tell me that Harley has severe CM/SM. All he could tell me at this point is that his syrinxe goes all the way and it is the worst case he has seen so far. (Donít know how many cases he has seen) We have to wait until the report comes back and take it from there, but there is no doubt in my mind that Harleys limping is coursed by SM and I feel so guilty that maybe the agility made it worse or speed up the process. Next thing is going to see a neurologist. Really I am still in the dark as I donít really know how bad it is. But I know itís not good.
I am just numb.

So sorry for you two ,but the last thing you should be feeling is guilt so dont be daft get those thoughts out of your
head .You two are twinned and Harley could not be in any better place OK.
Its been a horrible week for the two of us so you strenghen me and I hope I help you and dont forget Harley now is still
the Harley he was this morning ,yesterday and before and my Rosie has CM and chases her tennis balls all over but
Daisy never did ,so what, they are all different apart from them all being beautiful loving Cavaliers .Chin Up Sabs

Don't feel guilty about the agility - now you know the diagnosis , I personally would not carry on with agility. We can't wrap them in cotton wool, they still have to have a good quality of life.

A long thin syrinx is actually better than short, fat ones - and asymmetrical ones are the worst.

When do you see the neurologist?

For now, there are lots of tips and ideas on here for managing symptoms, such as only using harnesses, raising food and water bowls etc. I was advised with Kayleigh to do a month's room rest - no running, jumping etc. On lead short walks - 10 minutes or so 3 times daily - we are having hte odd in between potty break. She is sleeping a lot of the time anyway - and I'm also keeping her amused with one of the Nina Ottosson toys. We are hoping this might settle things down a bit.

Some dogs manage very well for many years on a combination of pain killers and of course some people opt for surgery, but don't rush into a decision - there is a lot to think about and you need to come to terms with the diagnosis first.

Nicki Ė I will have to wait for the report next week (this is done by a specialist) and then I will know exactly how bad it is and also if there is something going on with his shoulder. I would like to see Claire Rusbridge but I donít know if there is another neurologist closer. I know the medication can be trial and error so I donít know if Claire is to far away.

In my heart I knew the outcome but you always pray that you are the one that can escape this terrible disease.

Thank you all for you kind words and it means a lot to me, Makes me feel not so alone.

Oh Sabby, I'm so sorry. I was really hoping that Harley's limping was caused by a disc problem (Not that that's really any better). Just to put it in perspective, Riley's syrinx covers almost her whole spinal column and she still races about the yard. She does have rear limb weakness and can't jump and has trouble making it up even one step into the house sometimes. Getting them on the right drug cocktail seems to make all the difference in the world. And you're right - it's trial and error too. What combo and dosage works for one dog is often not right for another dog as the symptoms vary so much.

Take heart in that you're not alone through all of this. You've got lots of shoulders to lean on and cry on and to learn from. Hugs.

Just talked to the vets.
In regards to his MRI shoulder and leg he has to send it off and wait for the report.
But he can tell me that Harley has severe CM/SM. All he could tell me at this point is that his syrinxe goes all the way and it is the worst case he has seen so far. (Dont know how many cases he has seen) We have to wait until the report comes back and take it from there, but there is no doubt in my mind that Harleys limping is coursed by SM and I feel so guilty that maybe the agility made it worse or speed up the process. Next thing is going to see a neurologist. Really I am still in the dark as I dont really know how bad it is. But I know its not good.
I am just numb.

So sorry Sab.. But if it makes you feel any better: our scan showed syrinx all the way down the spine too. And i know you read my good news" post, so that should tell you it doesnt necessarily mean anything. My neuro told me he has patients that make it till 12 with bad scans, on medication alone and they are still running around!!! If limping is his only symptom, i would guess harley is clinically doing pretty well!!!! Lynn

Sabby, I'm so sorry you have received this news. I have no advice to give but wanted you to know that I will keep you and Harley in my thoughts. Once you get the full report, you will be able to better understand what Harley is dealing with and hopefully medication will give him the comfortable life he so deserves. He is in the best possible place right now....with you.

Oh gosh this makes me so sad I am so very sorry that Harley has SM. Please don't feel guilty. Harley has been so happy doing agility (I can see that from your pictures), you gave him that smile! I hope there is some meds they can give to help the pain.
Many hugs
Becky